The inspiring Amanda Hill joins Mariska and me to discuss so many things, but what I most enjoyed picking her brain about is the challenge of creating a private practice and expanding it beyond a few clinicians. I learned a lot and I hope you will too.

What do you do if your partner has a crush on a fictional character and it is getting in the way of your relationship?

Canadian singer/songwriter Mandi Leigh joins Mariska and I and talks about how song writing and singing has helped her heal from suicide loss and other trauma, and she even sings a song for us! Check out her music and tour dates on her website: Mandi Leigh | Singer Songwriter

In this episode Mariska and I discuss cases of three of my clients who might need to push back to keep from being pushed around by bosses, creative partners, and relationship partners. How do we decide when and how to push back and when to say nothing.

Mariska and I were truly honored to have the incredible Dr. Julie Merriman, therapist, professor, author, and host of the podcasts Sexy after 50 and Compassion Fatigue Cure. You can find all of her work here: Julie Merriman, Ph.D., LPC-S | Nervous System Regulation Expert

Our conversation covered so many things and was a great learning experience for Mariska and me. Enjoy.

in this episode Mariska and I talk about ESAs and how to help people find a therapist and the tools I use when im trying to find someone to recommend.

In this episode Mariska and I beg for your suggestions about our new project, the ESA cast (which you should email to [email protected]) and we talk about what a therapist is thinking about when we talk about sex with our clients in therapy.

In this episode Mariska and I announce the launch of our new venture, the ESA cast AND we talk about whether or not you should just stop scheduling sessions with your therapist or actually have the "break up" conversation with them.

In this episode Mariska and I explore beating yourself up after mistakes and appropriate boundaries. My former student deals with the ethical challenges of taking one of her students in after he is removed from his family.

In this episode Mariska and I explore how people blame themselves for their mental anguish and build a world where the "deserve" their pain. There is A LOT of discussion of suicide in this episode so if that is not something healthy for you to listen to you may want to skip this one.

Also in this episode Mariska is petty toward Tina and Cher, the family cats.